Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek with Everest Base Camp

Overview of Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek with Everest Base Camp 17 Days

Region: Nepal (Kathmandu).
Trek type: Group trekking adventure in the Himalayan mountain range.
Group size: 1 to 12 people per group.
Popular season: March to June, and September to December.
Off-season: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, and Aug.
Start & finish point: Kathmandu.
Trekking duration: 16 nights / 17 days.
Trek Grade: Medium to difficult.
Trekking distance: 130 KMs.
Maximum altitude: 5, 645 meters / 18, 519 feet.
Daily altitude gain: 200 to 400 meters.
Accommodation: Hotel or tea houses on a twin-sharing basis.
Food: Many vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to choose from.
What to expect: An adventure-filled fun time with moderate to difficult trekking on mountain terrain.
Physical status: Need to be an active, enthusiastic, and adventure lover. Age, Gender – no bar.
Weather: Depending on the trekking month, temperature between 18 degrees Celsius to minus 20-degree Celsius.

The Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek with Everest Base Camp is the most astonishing trekking expedition in the world. In this trek experience the scenic beauty of the world’s highest freshwater lake system, the high peaks, the gigantic glaciers, huge wild streams, and many more. A trek to the Gokyo lakes, Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This trek has everything, a challenging trail, beautiful lakes, and reflections of high peaks on its waters, huge glaciers, high mountain passes, and reaching the base of Mount Everest. This is sure, one of the beautiful and challenging treks in the world.

The trekking expedition starts from Lukla. The first few days of the trek will pass through many villages. The trail will pass by rivers and streams several times in this trek. There are several hanging bridges that we need to cross during this trek. We will cross some beautiful monasteries and high-altitude Sherpa villages. You will get clear views of several high peaks ranging from 6000 meters to 8000+ meters. Some of the highest-ranked peaks are Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Mount Cho Oyu. You will cross the huge glaciers of Khumbu and Ngozumpa. The sight of these glaciers and Ice Falls is huge and jaw-dropping. You will walk through these ice falls and glaciers. You will get some of the finest views of the sunrise, sunsets, and stars full of skies.

During Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek we cross mighty Cho La pass(5368 m / 17, 611 ft), we hike to Gokyo Ri(5357 m / 17, 575 ft), and Mount Kala Patthar(5,645 m / 18, 519 ft). We can see the 4 biggest mountains of the world, Everest the No 1, Lhotse the No 4, Makalu the No 5, Cho Oyu the No 6. Apart from the four 8000 plus meters mountains, we can see several 7000 and 6000 plus mountains like Gyachung Kang (highest among 7000 meters), Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and many more!

Day Wise Itinerary – Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek with Everest Base Camp

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1, 400 m / 4, 593 ft).

Upon our arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we will pick you and take you to our hotel. You will have a tour briefing today, a rest day, and trek preparation. You can go shopping in Thamel market for your trek or roam around.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2, 800 m / 9, 184 ft) and trek to Phakding (2, 651 m / 8, 700 ft): 3 hours.

Today we will start early and reach Kathmandu domestic airport and lake a mountain flight to Lukla during the 35-minutes flight you can enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world. Culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks Lukla is a gateway destination from where our trek begins. From Lukla, we start trekking, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.

Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438 m/11, 280 ft): 6 – 7 hours.

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. We then cross the Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. After Monjo, we will have our lunch at Jorsale village as this is the last settlement before Namche. After Jorsale we walk sometimes on the riverbed of Dudh Koshi then a steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. We will cross the highest and most spectacular hanging bridge today. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Khumjung (3, 790 m / 12, 434 ft): 1 – 2 hours.

Wake up with a breathtaking view of Kongde Mountain and start your day. Today’s hike is the smallest in the entire tour. First, we will visit Namche Museum which is famous for its Tenzing Norgay statue and the magnificent view of mountain peaks. Then we will hike to Syangboche airstrip, which is situated on top of Namche Bazaar, the view of Namche Bazaar from the hiking trail is amazing as you can see the entire Namche Bazaar from the top. After Syangboche we will follow a flat trail to Khumjung Village after crossing the famous Everest View Hotel, the view from here is spectacular as you can see a great view of many mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kusumkangaru, Kangteka, Khumbila, and many more. Khumjung is a big Sherpa village situated on the foothill of sacred mountain Khumbila. Overnight at Khumjung.

Day 05: Khumjung to Dole (3, 950 m / 12, 959 ft): 6 -7 hours.

Another great day of trekking, after Khumjung we will follow the main EBC trail for a short distance then take a left side diversion towards village Mongla once you left the main trail it will a steep ascent till Mongla village. Mongla is a tiny mountain top village with a gigantic view of Mount Thamserku. After Mongla we will descend to Phortse Thanga then an uphill hike till Dole. Dole is a small settlement with few Tea Houses.

Day 06: Dole to Machhermo (4, 470 m/ 14, 663 ft): 4-5 hours.

It is an easy day of trekking, after Dole, we will cross Labarma and Luza villages before reaching Machhermo. There is a beautiful chorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey, we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. The view is dominated by the 6th biggest mountain Cho Oyu. Overnight in Machhermo.

Day 07: Machhermo to Gokyo (4, 800 m/15, 744 ft): 4-5 hours.

We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). We will encounter the first and second Gokyo Lakes before arriving at our Tea House, which is situated on the bank of the third and biggest Gokyo Lake. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. Overnight in Gokyo.

Day 08: Gokyo Valley Acclimatization Day Hike to 5th Gokyo Lake: 5 – 6 hours.

Today we will visit the 5th Gokyo lakes on the way we will cross the 4th lake. The trail goes alongside the Ngozumpa glacier to the 5th lake. From the lake you can see the most beautiful view of Mount Everest, you can see a top to bottom 100% view of Everest, you can see this view only from this place in the entire region. Also, the view of Mount Cho Oyu is gigantic as it is situated quite close to this place, you can also see the start of the Ngozumpa glacier and its massive size from this place. After spending some time, we will back to Gokyo, rest day.

Day 09: Gokyo to Thagnak (4, 750 m / 15 ,580 ft) after Gokyo Ri(5, 537 m / 17, 575 ft): 7 – 8 hours.

A great day of trekking as we will hike to Gokyo Ri for its 180-degree mountain view. Ri means Mountain in Sherpa language. It takes 2 to 3 hours to reach on top of Gokyo Ri. The view from the top is the most spectacular and best in the entire zone, you can see a 180-degree mountain view. You can see Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and many more from the top. The view of Gokyo Lakes alongside the Ngozumpa glacier is magnificent from this place. After spending some time on the top, we will return to Gokyo and start our journey to Thangnak. We will do a small hike to the wall of the Ngozumpa glacier then get down to the glacier and cross it on a moraine-covered zig-zag trail. After the glacier, it is an easy walk to our Tea House.

Day 10: Thagnak to Zongla / Dzongla (4, 830 m / 15, 850 ft) via Cho La pass (5, 367m / 17,604 ft): 7 – 8 hours.

Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier crossing on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. We need to pass through some small crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village. The last ascent to the top of the Mountain pass is steep so you need to follow the guide and our support team. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below. Overnight at Zongla.

Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche (4, 940 m / 16,207 ft): 2 – 3 hours.

This will be a short trek, so we have a lot of time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We hike down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The view of Mount Amadablam is magnificent alongside Cho La Lake. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 12: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,594 ft): 8-9 hours.

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorakshep Lake, which is almost vanished now. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading hence, it is important that we follow our trek guide. The walk is strenuous due to the thin air at the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine, and small crevasses before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is situated on the Khumbu Glacier close to Khumbu Icefall from here you can get a magnificent view of Khumbu Icefall which is just a few meters from you. After spending some time at the base camp, we will return to our Tea House. Overnight in Gorakshep.

Day 13: Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5, 645 m / 18, 519 ft) to Pheriche (4, 288 m / 14, 070 ft): 7-8 hours.

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid chilly winds which are quite common. Hike to the top of the Kalapatthar takes 2.5 hours to 3 hours most of the trail is good and easy to walk only the last part of the mountain is rocky, so we need to cross many big rocks you need to be little careful on this part. We can see familiar peaks such as Pumori, Amadabalam, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower from the trail before Everest begins to reveal itself. Upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of many mountains, glaciers, and a gigantic view of Mount Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then descent to Pheriche for a good night’s rest. First, we get down to Pheriche then an easy downhill walk to Pheriche via Lobuche and Dhughla. Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 14: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 6 – 7 hours.

After crossing tiny Pheriche Pass we trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer flag festooned iron bridge over the Dudh Koshi River after Pangboche village we will arrive at Tengboche village which is famous for its Monastery. After Tengboche we will follow a downhill trail to Phungi Thanga then an uphill hike for a short distance, then the trail is relatively flat till Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft): 6 – 7 hours.

After Namche, the trail descends steeply downward, so we need to walk cautiously. After crossing the hanging bridge over the Dudh Koshi river the trail becomes more level and natural. You can chill out in a coffee house or a local pub in the evening to celebrate your success. Overnight at Lukla.

Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu: 35 minutes.

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long trekking expedition. After reaching Kathmandu, you can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping, or you can visit some of the historic temples in the city.

Day 17: Final departure.

Check out by 11 AM, we will drop you at the airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions of Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek with Everest Base Camp

• Airport pick up and drop at the international terminal.
• Kathmandu domestic airport transfers for Lukla flights.
• Accommodation in a standard hotel at Kathmandu on a twin share basis (2 nights).
• Accommodation during the trekking period, in local mountain lodges, called Tea House on a twin share basis (14 nights).
• Domestic return flight tickets (Kathmandu- Lukla – Kathmandu).
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, Khumbu Permit).
  Certified guide.
• Assistance guide (for 5 or more people).
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation.
• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
• All government and local taxes.
• Trek Completion certificate from Sagarmatha National Park Authority (Nepal Govt).
• Please Note: For a single trekker, we provide a porter cum guide.

Exclusions of Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek with Everest Base Camp

• Travel expenses to reach and return from Kathmandu.
• Food and drinking water throughout the trip.
• Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions section.
• Additional accommodation and food expenses if trek gets delayed due to weather, flight cancellation, health, or any other reason.
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle, or boiled water, shower, etc.).
• Health Insurance, Personal Insurance, and other travel insurance.
• Expenses for evacuation and rescue operations due to natural calamity, mishaps, injury, or any health problem.
• Nepal visa fee (if applicable).
• Tips for guide(s), porter(s).